Vitals Spring26

CHP VITALS SPRING 2026 SPRING 2026

Table of Contents

A Letter from the Dean

3

Congratulations, Graduates

4-5

Feature Articles

6

Presentations and Publications

7-9

In the Media

10

Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation (CEHS)

11

Student Spotlight

12-13

Powering Progress

14

Alumni and Retirements

15

Awards and Recognitions

16-21

Experiences

22-23

Make an Impact at Pace

24

A Letter from the Dean As we conclude the Spring 2026 semester, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to everyone in the College of Health Professions community. This semester marks the completion of my first full academic year as dean, and I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together. Throughout these pages, you will see the dedication, innovation, and collaboration that define our College, from celebrating our graduates and expanding experiential learning opportunities to advancing research, strengthening community partnerships, and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

This year has also reinforced our ability to adapt and thrive in ever-changing healthcare and higher education landscapes. Through innovative teaching, impactful scholarship, investments in simulation and technology, and meaningful community engagement, our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have continued to make a difference on campus and in our communities. These accomplishments reflect our shared commitment to excellence and to improving the health of the communities we serve.

Thank you for your hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment throughout the year. It has been an honor to serve alongside such an exceptional community. I hope you recognize and take pride in everything we have achieved together, as we continue building an even stronger future for the College of Health Professions.

BRIAN GOLDSTEIN, PHD DEAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Together, our achievements reflect excellence and purpose.

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C H P

CONGRATULATIONS

CATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS Explore the full photo gallery on our Flickr page.

Undergraduate Commencement

Allied Health Awards Pleasantville PAGE 4

Graduate Commencement

Allied Health Awards New York City

GRADUATES!

Annual Scholarship Day

Communication Sciences and Disorders Pinning Ceremony

LSN Awards and Pinning Celebration

Occupational Therapy Spring Ceremony

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Feature Articles RN for Life: A Healthcare Pathways Series Get to know Cathy Manley-Cullen, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC ’96, as part of our ongoing series spotlighting the careers, experiences, and insights of Pace University College of Health Professions Advisory Board members and healthcare leaders.

Read More Pace University Advances Global Leadership on the SDGS

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New Deans Elevate Pace University’s Standing in Business and Health Higher education is in a moment of profound transformation.

Universities must prepare students not only for today’s workforce, but for industries evolving at unprecedented speed.

Pace University has long embraced that challenge, connecting academics with professional preparation, building programs that anticipate the future of work, and investing in leaders who push higher education forward.

Pace University continues to champion the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through faculty scholarship, global partnerships, and student leadership. From publishing new research on sustainable development to supporting a record number of Millennium Fellows, Pace is helping shape innovative solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges worldwide.

Read More

That vision advances with the appointments of Ajay Khorana, PhD, dean of the Lubin School of Business, and Brian Goldstein, PhD, dean of the College of Health Professions. Both leaders bring deep expertise and fresh perspectives, strengthening Pace’s ability to translate academic excellence into real-world impact.

Read More

Lead Before You're Ready

The Social Neuroscience of Eating and Behavior Change

New graduate nurse Michelle Novominski, BSN, RN, ‘25 and faculty member Cindy Paradiso, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, share their perspectives on why leadership begins long before you're an expert, and how early involvement can help shape the future of nursing.

Read More

Christen Cooper, EdD, RDN, explores how food choices are shaped by environment, relationships, and social norms. She shares practical strategies for balancing health goals with real life and highlights the powerful role food can play in building connection, well-being, and community.

Watch the Video

Presentations and Publications Jean Covino, DHSc, MPA, PA-C and Jennifer L. Hofmann, DMSC, MS, PA-C, published in the Pharmacy Times, Adult ADHD is Underdiagnosed: Here’s what pharmacists need to know.

Check Out THE FULL PLATE NEWSLETTER Nutrition and Dietetics, MS January 2026 Issue June 2026 Issue

Catherine Finlayson PhD, RN, OCN and Sharon Wexler, PhD, RN, FNGNA along with alum Shiyon Mathew, PhD ‘25 presented a poster titled, The relationship between the nurse work environment, burnout, CLABSI, and CAUTI at the Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Meeting.

Catherine Finlayson, PhD, RN, OCN, and PhD student Aimee Smith presented their research at the Eastern Nursing Research Society Annual Meeting. Their podium presentation was titled, Creating a Culture Change: The blueprint for change in acute and critical care nursing.

Cindy Paradiso, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, PNAP and Elizabeth Berro, PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE, welcomed a visiting faculty member from Northern Illinois University to Pace, who was inspired by their co-authored article, The Jury is Out: Effective pathophysiology and pharmacology instruction in NYS baccalaureate nursing education, published in the Journal of the NYS Nurses Association 51(2).

This collegial exchange highlights the broader impact of faculty scholarship, dissemination, and cross‑institutional collaboration in nursing education.

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Presentations and Publications Michele Lopez, DHED, RN, MA, CNE, CHES, CDE, recently published mutiple articles in American Nurse titled, From applause to action: Why New York's nursing strike matters for patients, nursing students, and the future of the nursing profession, April 2026 and Teaching under threat: The escalating crisis of incivility and unsafe working conditions in nursing academia, May 2026.

Together, these articles bring attention to key issues influencing the future of nursing and healthcare education.

At the Research and Graduate Education Spring Conference, Mentorship in the Minority Professoriate was presented by Linda Carozza, PhD, CCC-SLP, FNAP; Jennifer Rosenstein, MSLIS, MA; and Kiara Medina, Communication Sciences and Disorders student.

Erica L. Gollub, DrPH, MPH and Lauren Pizzella ‘25, co-authored the article High interest in the PrEP (Dapivirine) Ring among U.S. lowincome Latina women: Results from a community clinic, published in The Guilford Press.

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Belinda (Beau) Anderson, PhD, MA(Ed), LAc, was featured in a recent MedShadow Foundation webinar, A Practical Guide to Alternative Treatments and in an article Can acupuncture help osteoarthritis pain? She presented Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Transition: Trends, challenges, and opportunities for integration at the 2026 International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, where she was interviewed by MedShadow founder Suzanne Robotti.

View Interview

Congratulations to Cindy Paradiso PhD, RN-BC, CNE on her induction as a professional member of the National Academies of Practice.

At the organization’s annual meeting and forum, she presented From Drills to Pills: Incorporating pharmacology education into speech-language pathology training alongside Ellayne Ganzfried, MS, CCC-SLP, FASHA, FNAP and Chris Hanley, PharmD, highlighting innovative approaches to interprofessional education.

Presentations and Publications Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus recently hosted the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting and Expo (NYSAND AME), alongside the studentorganized Westchester Rockland Dietetic Association (WRDA) Career Panel. The successful event brought together students, faculty, and professionals, with support from numerous Pace departments and the Nutrition and Dietetics community.

Joanne K. Singleton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN, FNAP, FNYAM, and Pawfessor Spirit were invited presenters at the Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS) Northeast Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Conference in March. Their presentation, Learning from the Cultural Community of Service Dog Teams: Culturally congruent healthcare for individuals teamed with service dogs, explored strategies for providing inclusive, culturally responsive care to individuals partnered with service dogs.

Jason Slyer, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CNL, FNAP, FNYAM served as host and emcee of the 52nd Annual Conference of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), held in Dallas, Texas.

As chair of the conference committee, he helped lead the event, themed From Vision to Impact in NP Education, which brought together nurse practitioner educators from across the country.

Dr. Slyer also earned certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. As simulation coordinator for the Family Nurse Practitioner, MS program, he is advancing simulation-based learning and competency-based education through the integration of the PRIME-NP clinical competency model across the curriculum.

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS Pace University's Lienhard School of Nursing celebrates its 60th anniversary of nursing excellence in 2026, marking six decades since nursing programs were first established at the Pleasantville campus in 1966.

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In the Media Christen Cooper EdD, RDN has provided her expertise on several topics and in various publications this past semester.

What to Eat Before Bed for Better Sleep, According to Dietitians Food & Wine, April 17, 2026 Scientists Say They Have Found a Way to Make French Fries Healthier—Without Sacrificing Taste Prevention, April 13, 2026 A chef’s mac and cheese recipe was criticized for having no protein. What that reveals about today’s meat-maxxing culture Yahoo Life, March 13, 2026 How Much Sugar Is in Dunkin’ Drinks? Dietitians Break It Down Food and Wine, March 20, 2026 Changing to This Diet at 45 May Add Up to 3 Years to Your Life Prevention, February 27, 2026 This Popular Diet Probably Won’t Help You Lose Weight Self, February 20, 2026

At the Paws for a Purpose event, nursing students and service dog teams from, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, helped raise awareness about the vital role of service dogs.

April, 28, 2026, News 12 Westchester Watch the Video

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Faculty Biographies and Contact Information

Explore Employment Opportunities

FACULTY PROFILE PAGE

CAREERS AT PACE

CEHS Receives $2.1 Million for Pleasantville Expansion Pace University has been awarded $2.175 million in state funding to support capital improvements and technology upgrades at its Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation in Pleasantville. The funding was arranged by New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins of Yonkers and will help modernize the university’s hands-on training facilities for nursing, physician assistant, and allied health students.

View Westfair Communications article View newz9 article View Video, News 12 Westchester

FUTURE READY REAL-WORLD LEARNING Pace University simulation suites are designed to mirror real clinical environments, including emergency rooms, hospital suites, and outpatient clinics. Students practice patient care using the same equipment and technology found in healthcare settings.

STRENGTHENING THE WORKFORCE The expanded simulation center will allow Pace to train and graduate more practiceready nurses and healthcare professionals. University leaders say the investment will help meet growing healthcare workforce needs throughout the Hudson Valley and New York.

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Student Spotlight Meet the College of Health Professions students who are making an impact in the classroom, in clinical settings, through research, and in their communities.

Our future healthcare leaders whose dedication, compassion, and innovation are helping shape the future of health care.

THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP What happens when a student researches mentorship while experiencing its impact firsthand? For Kiara Medina ’27, the answer led to published research, newfound confidence, and a deeper commitment to advancing representation in her field.

Working alongside faculty mentors, Medina explored how mentorship can shape careers, strengthen diversity, and create lasting change in higher education. Read how one research project became a transformative experience and how Medina is helping shape the future of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Read the Article

Kiara Medina ’27

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE CLASS OF 2026 PRESENTS FINAL PROJECTS Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Class of 2026 students successfully presented and defended their final evidence-based practice projects during a virtual presentation session attended by faculty and colleagues held May 8.

The projects highlighted innovative strategies to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes, reflecting the students’ scholarly achievement and commitment to advancing healthcare.

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Students: Dina Bolden, FNP-BC, Sheeja Kurian, NSN, NP-C, Blanca Mongelos, MSN, FNP-BC-C, Yessenia Montero, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, Vincent Palmieri, FNP-BC, and Yvonne Yeung, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Student Spotlight The path to a career in healthcare is built one experience at a time. These student stories highlight the milestones, achievements, and moments of growth that define the CHP experience and inspire what's possible.

NURSING ADVOCACY IN ACTION Nursing student Christina Tram played a key leadership role at the 74th Annual Nursing Students' Association of New York State Convention. As Policy and Education Director, Christina authored and presented the resolution, Recommend Raising the Age of Consent to 18 Years Old to Protect Adolescents, which passed unanimously. The resolution will advance to the National Student Nurses' Association Convention in Houston, Texas.

Christina was also re-elected to serve as Policy and Education Director for the 2026–2027 term, where she will continue her advocacy efforts by working to transform the resolution into legislation.

Christina Tram

LEADING FUTURE NURSES Nursing student Allison Shurak was recognized at the 74th Annual Nursing Students' Association of New York State Convention in Long Island, NY. She received the Treasurer for a Difference Award for her outstanding service as treasurer of the Pace Nursing Student Association, while the chapter also earned the Future Leadership Fund to support executive board initiatives.

Additionally, she was elected Communications Director for the Nursing Students' Association of New York State Executive Board for the 2026–2027 term, where she will help strengthen connections among student nursing chapters across New York and support the next generation of nursing leaders.

Christina Allison Shurak Tram

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Powering Progress Pace University’s College of Health Professions is powering progress through innovation in education, clinical training, and community engagement, preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders through immersive experiences.

FUNDING Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins Awards Pace University $2.175 million to Expand Healthcare Simulation Labs

View Press Release

NETWORKING WITH HEALTHCARE LEADERS

VIRTUAL REALITY BRINGS THE OPERATING ROOM TO LIFE Under the leadership of Joana Velasquez, PhD, RN, CNOR, nursing students in the Perioperative Nursing elective used virtual reality simulations to strengthen clinical skills and operating room readiness. Supported by the CHP Simulation Center, the immersive learning experience allowed students to practice perioperative scenarios in a safe, technology-enhanced environment.

Ten students participated in the initiative, engaging in activities such as surgical preparation, sterile technique, and team communication. Students reported increased confidence and a deeper understanding of the perioperative setting, highlighting the value of innovative approaches to nursing education.

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Alyssa Burnham, MS, PA-C, organized an event for clinical year students in the Pace University–Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program to meet with a recruitment panel from Lenox Hill Hospital.

This engaging discussion focused on careers in advanced practice, featuring members of the hospital’s talent acquisition and advanced clinical provider leadership teams, including alum Kristina Soltesz, PA-C ‘20 (neurosurgery supervisor and advanced clinical provider).

Panelists shared insights into the hiring process, strategies for standing out in interviews, and their individual career paths. We’re so appreciative of the panel participants for answering the numerous thoughtful questions posed by our students and creating a great networking opportunity!

Alumni and Retirements ALUMNI

CELEBRATING OUR RETIREES Jamesetta A. Newland PhD, FNP-BC, DPNAP, FNYAM, FAAN, CGNC, FADLN ‘86

Pace Nursing alumna has been honored with the 2026 Loretta C. Ford Award for Advancement of the Nurse Practitioner Role in Health Care, one of the profession’s most prestigious recognitions. The award celebrates her outstanding leadership, expertise, and dedication to advancing the nurse practitioner profession. We are delighted to see Dr. Newland recognized for her lasting contributions to nursing and healthcare.

Kareem Graham ‘24 Alumnus and nurse on 5F at White Plains Hospital has been recognized with the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing.

Patients and families praised Kareem for his compassion, kindness, and professionalism, noting that his warmth and positive attitude put them at ease during difficult times. We are proud to see him recognized for the exceptional care he provides.

Congratulations and best wishes to our retiring colleagues, Sergio Fernandes, IT manager, and Kim Hrotko, assistant director of Undergraduate Clinical Placement– Nursing, as they conclude their distinguished careers at Pace University.

Sergio retires after an impressive 26 years of dedicated service and was honored with the 2025 Dean's Staff Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions. Kim retires after 21 years of dedicated service, leaving a lasting impact through her commitment to supporting nursing students and clinical education.

We thank Sergio and Kim for their years of service, dedication, and lasting contributions to the College of Health Professions and the Pace community, and wish them all the best in their retirement.

Jovita John-Ogam ‘25 College of Health Professions/Lienhard School of Nursing graduate has published her first book of poetry, Epiphany of Beauty.

Through a collection of reflective and inspiring poems, the book explores themes of growth, resilience, and finding beauty in everyday moments.

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Awards and Recognitions STAFF SERVICE AWARD Recognizes the achievement of exemplary service to the College of Health Professions.

SHERYLYNE TOQUE, MPA Program Manager Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program-NYC “Sherylyne is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to students and the broader academic community. She is a trusted and approachable resource for students, offering guidance on academic processes and fostering a supportive, student-centered environment.”

2026 DEAN'S AWARDS RECIPIENTS Congratulations to our colleagues who were selected from submitted nominations for their respective award.

CLICK TO VIEW EACH RECIPIENT'S CONTRIBUTIONS

FACULTY SERVICE AWARD Recognizes the achievement of exemplary service to the College of Health Professions.

STEPHANIE ALLEN, PhD, RN Chair, Undergraduate Nursing Program Director and Associate Professor Nursing, BS “Dr. Allen's long-standing involvement in the Westchester Faculty Council and her leadership as chair of the Admissions and Retention Committee has contributed to data-informed strategies that enhance student success and institutional effectiveness.”

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TEACHING EXCELLENCE Recognizes faculty in the College of Health Professions for achievement in teaching and the scholarship of teaching.

JOANA VELASQUEZ, PhD, RN, CNOR Assistant Professor Undergraduate Nursing “Dr. Velasquez prepares students for real-world clinical environments and instilling the skills necessary for patient care, leadership, and ethical decision-making. Her collaborative spirit, scholarly contributions, and commitment to advancing teaching excellence further enhance her impact across the institution.”

Awards and Recognitions UNIVERSITY AWARDS OUTSTANDING STUDENT OF THE YEAR

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Amaka Auer Health Informatics, MS

Magdalene Golder-Ryan Health Science, BS

Natasha Cruz Communication Sciences and Disorders, MS

Ann Punnoose Nursing, BS

Emily DeLorenzo Physician Assistant Pleasantville, MS

Dominic Zacarolli Health Science, BS

Carly Martone Nutrition and Dietetics, MS

CAREER SERVICES AWARD

Carla McNulty Nursing, PhD

Ishika Kantharia Public Health, MPH

Brenna McGonigle Occupational Therapy, MS

Madison Tovar Health Science, BS

Sarah Abdul Sabboor Public Health, MPH Shawn Xiao Family Nurse Practitioner, MS

PROGRAM AWARDS COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS Outstanding Academic Achievement Elizabeth Carrano Outstanding Academic Achievement and Professional Potential Kiara Medina HEALTH INFORMATICS

HEALTH SCIENCE Outstanding Academic Achievement and Professional Potential Katherine Abreu Abbey Colon Angela Shllaku Academic Leadership Leila Hasan Evan Mulgrew

Scholarly Excellence Amaka Auer

Advocacy Award Vincent Accettura Nishat Ahmed

HEALTH SCIENCE

Emerging Leader Kristy Gonzales Katie Hernandez-Lopez

Outstanding Academic Achievement Natalia Corcione Jaelyn Oramas

Outstanding Perseverance Alex Timario Talib Wright

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Awards and Recognitions PROGRAM AWARDS NURSING, UNDERGRADUATE

NURSING, PHD

Outstanding Academic Achievement Daniella Renha, BS Alyssa Salamone, ABS

Outstanding Dissertation Amir Islam, Nursing, PhD

Outstanding Academic Achievement and Professional Potential Joel Brown, BS Carlos Tasama, ABS Future Nurse Leader Ashlee Fernandez, BS

Outstanding Alumna/Alumnus Shiyon Mathew, Nursing, PhD NUTRITION AND DIETETICS Opportunitas Kendra Mayers OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

NURSING, GRADUATE Outstanding Academic Achievement Amanda Adams, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Nicole Beck, Family Nurse Practitioner Rachel Frankel, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Outstanding Academic Achievement Megan Finn Outstanding Professional Potential Sara Kugi OMEGA DELTA CHAPTER OF SIGMA THETA TAU

Outstanding Academic Achievement and Professional Potential Kim Ah-Hyun, Family Nurse Practitioner David Cardona, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Nathan Friedman, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner NURSING, DNP Outstanding Academic Achievement Dina Bolden Outstanding Academic Achievement and Professional Potential Vincent Palmieri PUBLIC HEALTH Scholarly Excellence Sarah Abdul Sabboor

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The Omega Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing welcomed 63 new members during its May 7 induction ceremony.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Sharon Stahl Wexler, PhD, RN, FNGNA, FNYAM, professor and department chair, PhD in Nursing, and president of the Omega Delta Chapter. Faculty leaders celebrated the inductees' achievements.

The chapter recognized Amir U. Islam, MSN, FNP-BC, recipient of the 2025 Omega Delta Research Grant Award.

Awards and Recognitions PROGRAM AWARDS PACE UNIVERSITY-LENOX HILL HOSPITAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM-NEW YORK CITY Valedictorian Alexandra Nicole Rigos Clinical Excellence Award Maria Grill PI ALPHA HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES, NEW YORK CITY Jessica Leigh Birns Maria Grill Diana Marie Maneri Kaycee Rae Molino Erin Noel Murphy Alexandra Nicole Rigos Danielle Marie Rolewski Chelsea Nicole Witteck

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM, PLEASANTVILLE Outstanding Academic Achievement Aayush Shah Leadership Nicole Calianese Clinical Excellence Nicole Calianese PI ALPHA HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES, PLEASENTVILLE Emily Delorenzo Sarah Gray Nancy LaBarbera

ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA The Honor Society for First-Year Academic Success’ Induction Ceremony was held April 16. 34 CHP students who are first-year students and received a 3.5 or higher GPA in their first semester were eligible to join. Dana Castro, director of advisement, and Chelsea Cutignola, academic advisor, were the 2026 Honorary Inductees.

Students: Jasmine Abdon, Emily Asanza Dominguez, Aliyah Candaza, Jasmine Chan, Desteny Chiriboga, Ally Choi, Alexis Daye, Robin Diaz, Thomas Figueiredo-Cardoso, Eva Frenkel, Jessica Hernandez Moran, Kimberly Ibanez Flores, Dusha Karaqi, Bella Kola, Yashika Kumar, Karen Lopez, Nicholas Madeira, Sharell Martinez, Zach Massy, Alexia Montemarano Julian Morales, Abigale Murphey, Evidence Ogunsola, Leonida Perlleshi, Sophia Piedrahita, Nashra Qaiser, Emilia Sajdak, Arieanna Sandidge, Ava Thomas, Stephanie Trejo, Amy Vargas, Madison Vasquez, Tamischa Walker, Keara Wright.

LATIN HONORS Latin Honors are bestowed upon baccalaureate graduates who have completed 60 or more credits with high scholastic achievement in a Pace University degree program. This honor is based on a student’s cumulative quality point average ranging from 3.5 to 4.0. View List PAGE 19

Awards and Recognitions Ellen Morris-Greffenius, MSN, RN, FNP-BC Interim director of University Health Care was selected as an Aide to the Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, representing Westchester County in this distinguished role.

The honor recognizes her lifetime achievements, extensive community service, and steadfast dedication to celebrating and preserving Irish heritage.

2025 Pace STAR Award The STAR Award recognizes employees who go above and beyond in support of Pace University's mission, making a lasting impact through their dedication, excellence, and service to the community.

Congratulations to this year's College of Health Professions recipients: Ned Noyes Fieldwork Coordinator Department of Health Science New York City Marianne Prior Boyer, MSN, RN, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner University Health Care Pleasantville

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DOCTORAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS Nicole Essien-Amanquanor, MSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC Successful defense of final dissertation.

The impact of doulas on the parental and newborn outcomes of black and hispanic birthing people: A secondary data analysis.

Committee Chairperson: Lin Drury, PhD, RN, FNGNA Shirley Beauvais, PhD, MSN, RN Successful defense of dissertation proposal.

Survey of Transgender Patient Experiences in Healthcare.

Committee Chairperson: Lin Drury, PhD, RN, FNGNA Renu Mathew, MSN, RN Successful defense of dissertation proposal.

From data to action: Major adverse cardiovascular events prediction in coronary artery disease across ethnicities.

Committee Chairperson: Sharon Stahl Wexler, PhD, RN, FNGNA, FNYAM

2026 Kenan Award Recipients The Kenan Awards support faculty professional development through funding generated by a University faculty development grant.

STEPHANIE ALLEN, PhD, RN Chair and Associate Professor Undergraduate Nursing Program Director Nursing, BS This award supported faculty advisement for 14 nursing students who attended the 74th Annual National Student Nurses Association Convention in Texas, April 2026. Serving as chapter delegates at the national assembly, the students gained valuable leadership and professional development experience while representing Pace University on a national stage.

MARY OPFER, MS, RD, CDN, CCMS Clinical Associate Professor Nutrition and Dietetics

Provided resources to help facilitate participation in the Health Meets Food Conference, June 2026, including the presentation of, Nutrition Label to Plate.

This interactive session helped participants build practical nutrition skills through hands-on activities exploring serving sizes, portion control, and food measurement.

CINDY PARADISO PhD, RN-BC, CNE Assistant Professor Undergraduate Nursing

This award provided support for attendance at the National Academies of Practice (NAP) Forum, where Dr. Paradiso was inducted as a Professional Member and presented interprofessional research on teaching pharmacology to Speech-Language Pathology students. The presentation, delivered in collaboration with Ellayne Ganzfried MS, CCC-SLP, FASHA, FNAP and Chris Hanley, PharmD, highlighted innovative approaches to interprofessional education and healthcare training.

NICKI RENO-WELT, MS, MFA, PA-C Director Academic Education Clinical Associate Professor

Provided support for attendance at The Social Mission Alliance (SMA) Conference, an interprofessional forum that aims to advance health equity and social justice through health professions education. The event brings together hundreds of clinical educators, administrators, clinicians, trainees and students from around the world PAGE 21

Experiences Outreach in Action

Strong Presence at ENRS The PhD in Nursing Department was well represented at this year's Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) Annual Meeting. Faculty and PhD students from multiple cohorts attended, showcasing a commitment to advancing nursing science and engaging with the research community.

Physician Assistant Pleasantville clinical student Andres Javier, Azeem Azhar ’25, and Christine Amendola, MS, PA-C represented Pace University at the Westlake Middle/High School Career Fair, introducing students to healthcare careers and the physician assistant profession.

CHP Connects TITLE

Current and former College of Health Professions faculty and staff gathered at the Cortlandt Yacht Club for an afternoon of conversation and shared memories. The event celebrated the strength of the CHP community and the hope for future reunions.

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Experiences Diagnostic Discovery

Scouts in the Sim Lab More than 40 Cub Scouts, their leaders, and family members visited Pace University's simulation labs for the annual Hawthorne Pack 1 First Aid event. They explored hands-on activities and learned about healthcare careers with Physician Assistant faculty and student volunteers.

Communication Sciences and Disorders students participated in a hands-on workshop exploring Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), a tool used to assess swallowing disorders. The session featured a lecture and demonstration by Emily Tricarico Wilkinson, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S.

OT Advocacy in Action TITLE

Occupational Therapy students traveled to Albany to participate in the annual Advocacy Day, where they met with New York State legislators to advocate for policies that support the occupational therapy profession and the communities it serves.

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Make an Impact at the College of Health Professions Pace University and our mission of Opportunitas empowers students with real-world experience, academic excellence, and the skills to thrive in their careers and communities. Your generous support plays a crucial role in advancing that mission and enhancing the College of Health Professions and Lienhard School of Nursing experience for students from all backgrounds.

THANK YOU! When making your gift, choose College of Health Professions/Lienhard School of Nursing in the Designation section under Area of Choice.

Choice.

To learn more about making a lasting impact, visit Pace Planned Giving.

Giving.

DONATE HERE

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